Life jackets: "Wear it New England" saves lives. (Courtesy illustration)

MEREDITH / PORTSMOUTH — The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-8, organized under US Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor, is dedicated to safe recreational boating on the ocean and on New Hampshire’s larger lakes.

On Lake Winnipesaukee, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has been teaching safe boating classes as well as performing courtesy vessel examinations for many years. Starting in the summer 2012, the Auxiliary has also undertaken to introduce two of its traditional roles; waterways safety patrols and boat crew member training.

Along with safe boating partner, US Power Squadron, these two organizations have worked thousands of hours to insure a safe and more enjoyable environment for all boaters.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting numerous courtesy vessel examinations at various locations around the Lake Winnipesaukee region over the next five months, as well as additional educational safe boating classes. Please contact us at the following for additional information:

-- About the The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary --The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated Auxiliary in 1941. It’s over 32,000 members contribute millions of hours annually in support of all Coast Guard missions.